PanWriter vs Typora

PanWriter is a free, open-source Markdown editor for preparing documents, with versions for Linux, macOS and Windows. It uses a text-focused workspace: write plain-text Markdown on one side while a live preview appears alongside it. A paginated preview helps review page layout for print or PDF, and CSS changes are reflected in the preview as they are made. Users can drag in a DOCX file to convert it to Markdown, edit the text and export it back to DOCX. Publishing options include HTML, DOCX, EPUB, LaTeX, PDF, PowerPoint, InDesign ICML and other Pandoc formats. Pandoc must be installed to export to most formats. PanWriter supports local files, and Pandoc scripts and integrations can automate workflows or connect it with web services and other applications. The editor supports CommonMark. Questions and feedback are handled through GitHub issues.

Typora is a Markdown editor and reader for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with a live preview as you write. It supports images, headers, lists, tables, code fences, mathematics, diagrams, and inline styles, plus syntax highlighting for around 100 languages. Mermaid diagrams and MathJax extensions, including mhchem and AMSmath, are built in. Typora can export PDF with bookmarks and import or export formats including docx, OpenOffice, LaTeX, MediaWiki, and Epub. Themes can be customized with CSS. On macOS, it can upload images through iPic; Markdown files can also be synced using third-party tools such as iCloud Drive, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox. Documents, automatic backups, and application logs are stored locally. Anonymous usage data is sent only when the relevant preference is enabled. Typora works offline, but has no mobile apps or free plan. A 15-day free evaluation period is listed. The license costs $14.99 as a one-time purchase, covers one user on up to three devices, and has no subscription or renewal fee.